Nerve damage due to diabetes is known as diabetic neuropathy.
Although it can happen to any part of the body, the arms, hands, feet and toes are the usual areas affected.
Diabetic neuropathy of the feet, which brings damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, is the result of years of raised blood sugar levels.
Other than blood sugar levels; low insulin levels, the long period of diabetes and the extremely high levels of blood fat are also possible factors for diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy affecting the feet are also referred to as sensorimotor neuropathy, distal symmetric neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy.
According to the experts, approximately 70 percent of diabetics suffer from some kind of neuropathy.
It usually happens to people who have suffered for more than 24 years from diabetes.
Consistently high blood sugar levels is the main factor in diabetic neuropathy as constant raised blood sugar levels blocks the passage of feelings sent by the nerves.
Besides this, tiny blood vessels, bringing oxygen to the nerves, have their walls damaged by the excessive blood sugar levels.
When blood capillaries are damaged, the nerves do not get sufficient oxygen and are unable to perform.
Nerve inflammation due to autoimmune problems as well as any mechanical harm to nerves such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can bring on diabetic neuropathy.
In fact, diabetic neuropathy can also be caused any health condition which can damage the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the nerves.
Genetic susceptibility to nerve damage and habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also factors to watch out for.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms come slowly and the initial symptoms are so mild that they are often not even noticed.
It will start with the legs, feet and toes before the upper limbs and other parts of the body are affected.
The usual signs are a prickling sensation, numbness, or a tingling feeling in the feet and toes.
It is possible for the affected person not to feel any pin prick on a toe, possibly due to an inability to sense the pain.
Other symptoms which can appear are dizziness and weakness while standing, sensitivity even to a soft touch, loss of coordination and balance, cramps or sharp pains.
Due to foot deformities like hammertoes or numbness, the patient's usual way of walking may change.
Sores and blisters can occur on the soles of the feet as a result of insensitivity to rubbing or pressure.
Some symptoms can become worse at night.
Diabetics with peripheral neuropathy must take special care of the extremities of their lower limbs.
Their feet ought to be checked carefully for sores, blisters or cuts, washed as well as dried each day.
At least once a year, the diabetic should have his or her feet examined for any indication of neuropathy by a doctor.
Any infection on the feet has to be treated immediately as any neglect can have the infection reach the bone and lead to the need for amputation.
Although it can happen to any part of the body, the arms, hands, feet and toes are the usual areas affected.
Diabetic neuropathy of the feet, which brings damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, is the result of years of raised blood sugar levels.
Other than blood sugar levels; low insulin levels, the long period of diabetes and the extremely high levels of blood fat are also possible factors for diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy affecting the feet are also referred to as sensorimotor neuropathy, distal symmetric neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy.
According to the experts, approximately 70 percent of diabetics suffer from some kind of neuropathy.
It usually happens to people who have suffered for more than 24 years from diabetes.
Consistently high blood sugar levels is the main factor in diabetic neuropathy as constant raised blood sugar levels blocks the passage of feelings sent by the nerves.
Besides this, tiny blood vessels, bringing oxygen to the nerves, have their walls damaged by the excessive blood sugar levels.
When blood capillaries are damaged, the nerves do not get sufficient oxygen and are unable to perform.
Nerve inflammation due to autoimmune problems as well as any mechanical harm to nerves such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can bring on diabetic neuropathy.
In fact, diabetic neuropathy can also be caused any health condition which can damage the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the nerves.
Genetic susceptibility to nerve damage and habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also factors to watch out for.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms come slowly and the initial symptoms are so mild that they are often not even noticed.
It will start with the legs, feet and toes before the upper limbs and other parts of the body are affected.
The usual signs are a prickling sensation, numbness, or a tingling feeling in the feet and toes.
It is possible for the affected person not to feel any pin prick on a toe, possibly due to an inability to sense the pain.
Other symptoms which can appear are dizziness and weakness while standing, sensitivity even to a soft touch, loss of coordination and balance, cramps or sharp pains.
Due to foot deformities like hammertoes or numbness, the patient's usual way of walking may change.
Sores and blisters can occur on the soles of the feet as a result of insensitivity to rubbing or pressure.
Some symptoms can become worse at night.
Diabetics with peripheral neuropathy must take special care of the extremities of their lower limbs.
Their feet ought to be checked carefully for sores, blisters or cuts, washed as well as dried each day.
At least once a year, the diabetic should have his or her feet examined for any indication of neuropathy by a doctor.
Any infection on the feet has to be treated immediately as any neglect can have the infection reach the bone and lead to the need for amputation.
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